Detroit Lions: Top Five Free Agent Wide Receivers they should Consider
By Bob Heyrman
Pierre Garcon is another veteran WR that could provide some stability to a group that’s very much lacking depth. Garcon just turned 33-years old four days ago. Last year was a ‘lost’ season for the veteran pass-catcher.
He was brought in to San Francisco because of his familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense from their time together in Washington. Garcon played in merely eight games recording 286 yards on 24 catches. Not good, but if you think about the situation in San Francisco, it may not have been all his fault.
Quarterback Jimmy Garappolo was injured early on. He wouldn’t return as he needed reconstructive knee surgery. The 49ers trecked on with C.J Bethard and Nick Mullens under center–not a good situation.
The best days of Garcon’s career are long gone, but he could potentially fill a need with the Detroit Lions similar to what Anquan Boldin did late in his career for the organization. Garcon is a good leader, and identical to Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola provide leadership to the Brandon Powell and Travis Furglah’s of the world. In fact, don’t forget Kenny Golladay himself is a very young receiver that still has plenty to learn.
Garcon wouldn’t contribute nearly as much to the offense as Michael Crabtree would but would be a fraction of the cost. The Lions could likely land Garcon for $2 million for the year. Another issue for Pierre is his ability to remain healthy late in his career. He’s played a total of 16 games over the last two seasons.
If he can average similar statistics as he was averaging his first year in San Fran two seasons’ ago, he’d remain a nice insurance policy to the group of receivers. In 8 games, he notched 40 catches totaling 500 yards. Playing as the fourth/fifth option, he’d likely emulate those numbers in a 16 game season with the Detroit Lions. Good production at a low price.